BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA)--F. Wade Lambert was the Mayor of Booneville from 1993 to 2001.
He served as an alderman from 1973-1985.
Many remembered the former Mayor and his vision for Booneville and Prentiss County during a highway dedication ceremony Wednesday.
Lambert's family was on hand, remembering him not only as a great leader, but a great family man was well.
"The same qualities that made him a wonderful father, also made him the man that you are here to honor today. He tried his best to take care of, not just his family, but everyone he met," said his daughter Shelia Gann.
"And, as your public servant and your mayor, with your needs his life's journey was fulfilled,"said daughter Sherry Lambert.
Many residents say it was his goal to have a bypass like Highway 30 running south of Booneville.
Current Booneville Mayor Joe Eaton, was an alderman when Lambert was Mayor.
"I remember when we started this project in July of 1994. We went and met with the Board of Supervisors at that time. And, he was so excited. He called this the belt-way around Booneville," said Mayor Eaton.
Organizers said it was Lambert's leadership that led state lawmakers to fulfill the promise of a bypass.
"And everyday that as we drive down that highway and we see the signs on the side of the road, Memorial Highway for F.Wade Lambert, let us remember the vision and let's work together to make our community better," said State Representative Jerry Turner of District 18.
"This will provide a lot of opportunities for future development and future freight movement within the area. It will take some of the heavy truck traffic off of some of our smaller city and county roads," replied Northern District Highway Commissioner Mike Tagert.
The section of highway named for Lambert is part of the highway 30 bypass from the highway 45 intersection, going east to the intersection with Mississippi Highway 30.
